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New plans for the Beaches

After a year of political drama, plans to revitalize the Eastern Beaches are moving forward.

George Foulidis hopes to see a "market plaza" with artisan booths built adjacent to his cafe as part of a remodeling of the area between the lakeshore and Lake Shore Blvd.
(City of Toronto)

The Boardwalk's plans for an expanded presence in the eastern Beaches include a patio and "Rio de Janeiro-style" boardwalk as well as a "market plaza" featuring seasonal booths. (City of Toronto)

By Robyn DoolittleUrban Affairs Reporter

Tues., March 15, 2011

Picture arriving at the Ashbridge’s Bay beach on a perfectly sunny July afternoon.

Local artisans are selling goods out of a dozen tented booths along the newly built plaza. Follow the swirling stone boardwalk down to the water, past the small farmer’s market nestled under lofty wooden trellises.

Then, maybe after a day on the sand, you’ll stop for dinner and a drink at the newly revamped Boardwalk cafe.

That’s the hope at least, says restaurateur George Foulidis.

After a year of controversy, legal battles and political drama, the revitalization of the Eastern Beaches is finally moving forward.

The city has approved Foulidis’ preliminary drawings, which include an extended outdoor patio, restaurant renovations, and reworked car roundabout to ease traffic congestion.

The Rio de Janeiro-style boardwalk with elegant paving and the market plaza are still on a wish list, because of funding concerns, but Foulidis is optimistic he’ll be able to fundraise or find sponsors.

Parks staff have also floated the idea of an ice rink and skating path — a mini Rideau Canal, said local Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon — to draw people during the winter months.

The first phase of renovations will be completed by summer 2012.

“George has some great ideas and we have some great ideas and park staff has some great ideas. It’s an exciting new start,” said McMahon.

It’s a stark turnaround for McMahon, who at least in part was propelled to victory because of incumbent Sandra Bussin’s role in championing the Tuggs deal.

On the campaign trail, McMahon was highly critical of the controversial 20-year deal the city made with Tuggs Inc., Foulidis’ company. The lucrative agreement, which gave Foulidis exclusive vending rights to sell food and souvenirs throughout the Eastern Beaches, was approved by city council without opening the contract up to outside bidders. This was despite a recommendation from staff to put it up for tender.

The deal caused a firestorm when it was approved initially four years ago, but that died down while the city and Foulidis negotiated the particulars. When council approved the final wording early last year, the issue exploded again.

Rob Ford began using the contract as exhibit A for waste at city hall. Foulidis has since launched a $6 million libel lawsuit against the mayor for suggesting there was corruption involved.

Ford vowed to try reopening the contract if he was elected. Sources in the city’s legal department say they have not been approached by anyone in the mayor’s office for legal advice on the deal, although McMahon inquired after her victory.

She was told that it would be a financial disaster.

“We found it wasn’t possible to reopen, so we thought: Let’s extend the olive branch and work with him,” she said. “I said I’d like to connect him to George Brown culinary arts kids and get them into the restaurant. And he’s open to that. I talked to him about partnering his kiosks on the beach with local shops. And he’s open to that.”

“Rumour was on the campaign trail that you couldn’t even have a picnic on the beach without his approval, and that isn’t true. He’s been very receptive to everything. He’s a nice guy.”

Brenda Patterson, the general manager of parks, forestry and recreation, said that under the new contract Foulidis is required to put $200,000 toward beautifying the park. He would like to see that used to build a market plaza.

Patterson said the city has decided to renovate the bus loop area and vehicle roundabout.

“What we’ve approved is the general layout … The original approval included quite a bit more of additional plaza space; we haven’t approved that. We want to keep as much of the area as parkland,” said Patterson.

Foulidis says a proper boardwalk connecting the water with Lake Shore Blvd. E. would be beneficial for everyone.

As far as the restaurant goes, Foulidis said the company is planning to revamp the menu — which has been criticized for being overpriced and short on healthy options — and flip the floor plan. Diners will be able to sit inside a large glass enclosure that offers views of the park, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

“We’ve been stuck in limbo for so long. It’s been hard to plan and invest money in the place when we didn’t know if we’d still be the owners,” Foulidis said. “Now we’re just really excited about getting to do all the things we’ve been wanting to do for so long.”

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